Which is Greener: Barley Grass Powder or Barley Grass Juice Powder?

Barley grass, barley leaves, barley greens, green blood, or hordeum vulgare. All of these can be used to describe the leaf of the barley grain, but whatever you want to call it, one thing is true: the benefits of barley grass are huge and can be summed up in this quote by Yoshihide Hagiwara, who conducted many years of research on the benefits of barley grass, “My research has shown that the green leaves of the young barley grass contain the most prolific balance supply of nutrients that exist on Earth in a single source. The only vegetation on earth that can supply nutritional support from birth to old age.”

Now that it’s clear there are benefits to consuming barley grass, the question becomes how to take it. The easiest way to incorporate barley grass into your everyday routine is probably through a powder. When you start to look for barley powder online, you may find that there are two kinds of barley powder: barley grass powder and barley grass juice powder. These two types of powder are both made using the same blades of grass (i.e. barley grass) and the nutrients in each type of powder remains the same; however, there is a difference in how each powder is derived.

Barley Grass Juice Powder

Barley grass juice powder is a more concentrated form of barley grass. It is made by first juicing the aerial part of the tender stalks of young barley grass. By using young barley grass, also known as peak harvest or first joint stage, more nutrients are available because the barley grass is said to contain the highest concentration of nutrients from the soil.

During the juicing process, all of the indigestible cellulose is broken down and removed. The breakdown of the cellulose also causes beneficial phytonutrients to be released which the human body can then absorb. The absence of the cellulose, the fiber that makes up most of the thick cell walls that is found in all plants, gives barley grass juice powder a much darker color.

Once the barley grass has been juiced and the cellulose has been removed, a pure juice concentrate is left which is then dehydrated into a powder. The dehydration process includes drying out the barley grass juice at very low temperatures which preserves and protects the bioactive enzymes and other nutrients in the powder.

Barley Grass Powder

Barley Grass Powder is made directly from young barley grass. The entire grass leaf is dried out and milled into a fine powder. Because barley grass powder is not juiced before being dried out, and so the cellulose is also maintained, the nutrients in barley grass powder are not as concentrated. Barley Grass powder is usually lighter in color.

Barley Grass powder is a great addition to smoothies, shakes, salads, and other recipes. It has a mild, grassy flavor and is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is also rich in chlorophyll, which helps to cleanse the body and promote healthy digestion. Barley Grass powder can be taken daily as a supplement or added to your favorite recipes for a nutritional boost.

The Choice is Yours

When it comes to choosing between barley grass powder and barley grass juice powder, consider the concentrations of nutrients, color, and price as well as your own personal preferences. Barley grass powder tends to be more concentrated with nutrients and is also more affordable than barley grass juice powder. In contrast, barley grass juice powder is more expensive but is more easily absorbed by the body and may be more convenient to take. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which powder you prefer.

An easy way to incorporate organic barley grass juice powder into your daily routine is through Graasi which also enhances the water with vitamin c, d, and Zinc. Whichever powder you think is best for you, I think we could all benefit from a little more green blood!

Sources

Barley Grass Juice Powder Health Benefits (There are Many) (craftbeering.com)

Teaveli® | Barley Grass Powder vs Barley Grass Juice Powder – Teaveli

Buy Raw Organic Barley Grass Juice Powder - ZNaturalFoods.com